Viola (Mrs. K) Kelsey

Viola (Mrs. K) Kelsey, age 87, of Faribault, MN, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on June 3, 2025, at her home following an extended illness.

Viola Marie, the daughter of Edward F. and Agnes (Janouch) Vyskocil, was born on October 5, 1937, in Montgomery, MN. She graduated from Montgomery High School and worked at the Piggly Wiggly store, Canning Factory in Montgomery, and Twin City Milk Association. Viola was united in marriage to Walter Kelsey on May 9, 1959, at the Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Montgomery. She and Wally met at the roller-skating rink and enjoyed dancing while they were dating. Following their marriage, they lived in East St. Paul and raised their family. Viola provided a wonderful home raising her eight children. For a short period of time, she worked at Montgomery Wards, Dakota County Regional Center, and provided day care for neighborhood children. She was a great cook, enjoyed gardening and canning, fishing, dancing to polkas, listening to classic country music, playing bingo, and caring for her cats. Viola was very friendly and hospitable, opening her home to all the neighborhood kids that affectionately called her “Mrs. K”. She had a strong faith and loved volunteering at her church. In 1992, they built a home on the Kelsey farm in Richland Township, where Viola cherished the time spent with her family.

She is survived by children, Mark (Jenny) Kelsey of Mahtomedi, MN, Steve (Kelly) Kelsey of White Bear Lake, MN, Walter Kelsey Jr. of St. Paul, MN, Loretta (David) Hamm of Warba, MN, Julia (Donnie) Athey of South St. Paul, MN, Patrick (Robyn) Kelsey of Blaine, MN, Joann Kelsey of Faribault, and Ronald Kelsey of Shakopee, MN; 15 grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren; sister, Mary Lou Schmitz of Faribault; sisters-in-law; and many other nieces, nephews, family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Wally; parents, Edward and Agnes; brothers, Hank, Alvin, George, Edward, Raymond, Donald, and John Vyskocil; and sisters, Irene Covey, Elsie Boldt, and Mildred Hallett.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at the Divine Mercy Catholic Church, 139 Mercy Drive, Faribault. Interment will be at the St. Lawrence Cemetery in Faribault.

Visitation will be held on Monday from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. at the Parker Kohl Funeral Home, 1725 Lyndale Ave. N., Faribault, and on Tuesday for one hour prior to the services at the church.